Galapagos Accessible Travel: An In-Depth Guide

The Galápagos Islands are famous for their rugged beauty, wild landscapes, and encounters with unique wildlife. But for travelers with mobility challenges, or families planning trips that include every generation, the question often comes up: Is the Galápagos an accessible destination?

The answer is: Yes, with the right support. Many trails, boats, and hotels were not originally designed with accessibility in mind. However, with local expertise, private support, and tailored itineraries, it is possible to experience the islands safely. At Galakiwi, we specialize in creating land-based, customized itineraries that make the Galápagos not only accessible, but comfortable and unforgettable. 

Here’s what you need to know when planning an accessible trip to the Galápagos.

Is the Galápagos Accessible?

The Galápagos is naturally rugged and remote, with uneven trails, small boats, and boutique hotels that weren’t originally designed with accessibility in mind. But that doesn’t mean these islands are out of reach. With the right tour company, thoughtful planning, and clear communication about your pace, comfort level, and specific requirements, the Galápagos can be made accessible and deeply rewarding.

We consider Land-based to be a great option for accessible experiences. Staying in hotels avoids ship motion, narrow hallways, and steep stairs. Daily activities can be adapted to mobility levels, and you set the pace instead of following a strict cruise schedule. Private vehicles, extra support, and specialized equipment are easier to arrange, and you’ll have time to rest, whether at your hotel, in town, or by the beach.

Getting Around the Galápagos

Comfortable, stress-free transportation is key to an accessible Galápagos experience. On land, we use private vehicles and off-road wheelchairs to ensure every guest can explore without limits, whether it’s a stroll along a beach or a wildlife walk through volcanic terrain.

Multi-island itineraries are fully possible thanks to private support for boat transfers. We carefully select routes and activities that balance adventure with ease, ensuring you can enjoy each destination without compromise. Our team provides assistance with all boat activities, including boarding and disembarking, so you can focus on the experience rather than logistics.

Where You’ll Stay: Accommodation Accessibility

Most accommodations in the Galápagos weren’t originally built with accessibility in mind, but that doesn’t mean comfort is out of reach. Each hotel we use on our tours is carefully selected to provide a fantastic experience, close to nature, with easy access to wildlife and local attractions. Whenever possible, we arrange ground-floor or accessible rooms, so you can enjoy your stay safely and comfortably without missing any of the magic of the islands.

Do You Still Get the Full Galápagos Experience?

A land-based itinerary offers the flexibility to adapt each day’s activities to your comfort level and interests, while keeping all the Galápagos magic intact. From up-close wildlife encounters to guided walks through volcanic landscapes, and from snorkeling in vibrant waters to connecting with local communities, the essence of the islands remains fully accessible with the right planning and support.

Our team provides one-on-one assistance, specialty all-terrain wheelchairs, and thoughtful adaptations that make activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and overland exploration possible for most travelers. For some guests, it may even be their very first time trying these experiences, something they never imagined doing in the Galápagos.

The key is careful planning. By understanding your needs, pace, and preferences ahead of time, we craft itineraries that ensure comfort, safety, and adventure. 

Support You Can Count On

Every Galakiwi accessible tour is designed to make your experience safe, comfortable, and memorable. Some things you can expect are:

• Thoughtful Planning
• A private guide and assistant throughout your journey
• Support for all land and water-based activities, including boat access
• Use of off-road wheelchairs where needed
• Carefully chosen accessible accommodations
• Daily pacing tailored to your comfort level

With these supports in place, all you need to focus on is enjoying the experience, from blue-footed boobies and sea lions to lava tunnels and snorkeling sites.

Here’s a snippet from one of our travelers:

As a wheelchair user, I had assumed the Galapagos wouldn’t be on my bucket list, but my wife found an article on New Mobility which led us to Galakiwi…

From initial trip consultation to leaving for the mainland, our experience with Galakiwi was top notch. We had a private trip, with a guide and an assistant to help with wheelchair logistics. To get to the beach or on trails, we had off-road wheelchairs to assist in getting me around. We had three snorkling outings and I felt safe and comfortable the entire time. Galakiwi worked to find the best boats and crew who could assist in getting me on board as well as in and out of the water. One thing that wasn’t obvious from our reading, is all the boat trips require an additional step of a water taxi to the snorking boat or ferry. Galakiwi ensured we always had enough help to lift me in my wheelchair on and off the boats…

Thanks to the whole team at Galakiwi, we had an amazing adventure in the Galapagos and my wheelchair was never a limiting factor. Thank you!

– David, Accessible Custom Tour

Read the full review, and more feedback from our travelers, on TripAdvisor.

Why Choose Galakiwi for Accessible Travel?

We’re not just Galápagos experts, we’re local, land-based, and deeply connected to the community, we know how to combine accessibility with authentic adventure.

At Galakiwi, we believe that the wonder of the Galápagos should be open to everyone. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or across generations, we’ll work with you to create a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience.

Experience the adventure of a lifetime as we snorkel, kayak, and explore both underwater and overland, making the Galapagos as accessible as possible. Our commitment ensures that everyone can fully immerse themselves in the unique beauty and rich biodiversity of this extraordinary destination. 

As a local, land-based operator with nearly two decades of experience, Galakiwi offers one of the few truly adapted and authentic Galápagos travel experiences. Our flexibility, personal guiding, and strong community connections mean we can open doors that others can’t, while always keeping your comfort and safety at the center.

We had a fantastic time on our action-packed five-day family adventure to San Cristobal island. My husband and I travelled with our two grown children, and as a group of four we were our own tour group. We wanted to do as much as possible even though I use a wheelchair to get around...

Tim and Pepo and Cristian are all genuinely nice people and wanted to do whatever they could to make our trip successful. We felt like we were being included as part of their community, their family, and it was very special.

– Deanna, Family Adventure

Ready to Make the Galápagos Accessible for You?

With the right planning, the Galápagos is within reach for everyone. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or across generations, Galakiwi can help you experience the islands in a safe, comfortable, and adventurous way. Ready to start planning your accessible Galápagos adventure? Explore our tours or get in touch with us, let’s design the journey that works for you.